Working with a Graphic Designer

These are a few things most graphic designers would like you to know before beginning any design process. It helps to keep your project on an efficient timeline, keeps the overwhelm to a minimum, and allows your designer the ability to focus on creating a cohesive design for you. Here are three things to consider as you prepare to work with a graphic designer.

KNOW YOUR CONTENT

Most designers understand that your wants/needs will shift slightly throughout the process, but it is important that you come to the table ready with core, foundational knowledge of your business/vision. Your designer isn’t a business coach, therapist, or genie in a bottle that can automatically know what you need. They may have had experience with your industry or product in the past, but only you can be the voice of your vision for what you want your project to reveal to your audience.

RESEARCH IDEAS

Look at your competitor’s websites, checkout marketing materials, logos, etc. to get an idea of what you do and don't like.  Most designers are visual and will ask you to step into their creative world in order to create something beautiful for you.

One of my favorite parts of the design process is guiding my clients through colors, fonts, and design structure. It is such a rewarding process to assist someone in developing the voice and image of their brand. While you don’t have to have it all figured out (that’s why you hire me), it is good for you to communicate your preferences to the designer which means you need to know what you prefer.

TAKE YOUR TIME

I know when you've come this far in your business, you want your logo/website/marketing project done yesterday.  I get it, you are excited! There is a deeper process involved than only choosing a font and colors. You will want your branding to reflect your passions, goals, personality, products, and mission statement. You want your first impression to be a lasting one, a good one, a professional one. Allow your designer the space to do their job and explore the creative opportunities available within your project. Creativity isn’t something your designer can turn on/off. Good design requires skills and talent, great design requires patience, flexibility, and creativity.

A FEW MORE THOUGHTS

• Trust your designer, you hired them for their expertise, resources, skills, and knowledge of graphic design.

• The following are some estimated time frames to help you determine a realistic goal for your project completion (a lot of the timing depends upon your readiness!):

  • Websites: 2-4 months

  • Brand Identity: 1-2 months

  • Marketing Materials: 1-2 weeks